Teddy Bridgewater’s Long-Standing Connection to the Buccaneers

The possibility of Teddy Bridgewater joining the Buccaneers has been on the radar for quite some time. General manager Jason Licht touched on this topic during a recent discussion, noting how the 32-year-old quarterback was considered a viable option for Tampa Bay’s roster back in 2020.

“I remember being here in 2014, and there was a moment when we might have drafted him if things had gone differently,” Licht recalled, referencing how Bridgewater was selected 32nd overall by the Vikings that year.

“A few years ago, he was definitely an option. We ultimately went with Tom Brady, but now we’ve got Teddy on the team,” Licht added, hinting at the decision-making process that brought the legendary quarterback to Tampa.

Brady, now 48, made headlines in 2020 when he signed with the Buccaneers after two decades with the Patriots, where he secured six Super Bowl titles. During his three seasons in Tampa, he helped lead the team to a shocking seventh and final Super Bowl victory in February 2021 before retiring after the 2022 season.

Bridgewater has had an interesting journey of his own. After serving as the head coach at Miami North Western High School, he was suspended in July for allegedly providing “unacceptable benefits” to players, including helping with costs for transportation and meals.

Before re-entering the NFL conversation, he led Miami North Western to a state championship in December, and reports have linked him to the Lions as they gear up for the playoffs.

Bridgewater’s early career began in Minnesota, where he played four seasons before being sidelined by a torn ACL in 2016. He had a notable trade to the Saints in August 2018, following a stint with the Jets. His career also includes stops in Carolina, Denver, and Miami.

Latest updates from ESPN indicated that Bridgewater was visiting the Buccaneers and preparing to sign with the team. Licht emphasized that he would be a valuable asset in a quarterback room already featuring starter Baker Mayfield and backup Kyle Trask.

“Baker’s a smart guy—and having someone like Teddy in the mix can only help,” he remarked, illustrating the potential benefits of Bridgewater’s extensive experience.

Mayfield, who had a resurgence after joining the Buccaneers in 2023, signed a hefty three-year extension worth $100 million after leading the team to the playoffs in his first season. Meanwhile, Bridgewater has accumulated impressive career stats, with 15,120 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions over 79 games.